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Performance improvement of direct methanol fuel cells via anodic treatment using various organic acids

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Abstract

Performance improvement of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) was achieved via an anodic treatment technique. Previously, anodic treatment was performed using sulfuric acid as acidic media, but various organic acids including formic, acetic, oxalic, and citric acids were employed in this study to avoid the use of toxic sulfuric acid. By replacing sulfuric acid to organic acids, a potential damage to catalyst layers and other components such as polymer electrolyte membrane and bipolar plates are expected to be minimized. The anodic treatment was performed by applying 0.7 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode) at the anode of DMFCs flowing the organic acid solutions for 30min. After the anodic treatment, peak power densities of DMFCs were increased by +7, +32, +23, and −2.6% when formic, acetic, oxalic, and citric acid solutions were employed, respectively. The enhanced catalytic activity of the DMFCs in the acetic and oxalic acid solutions was confirmed by analyzing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data.

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Author notes

  1. Min Ku Jeon

    Present address: Nuclear Fuel Cycle Waste Treatment Research Division, Korea Atomic Energy Research Insitute, 989-111, Daedeok-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 305-353, Korea

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Graduate School of EEWS (WCU), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 305-701, Korea

    Min Ku Jeon, Ki Rak Lee & Seong Ihl Woo

Authors
  1. Min Ku Jeon
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  2. Ki Rak Lee
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  3. Seong Ihl Woo
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Correspondence to Seong Ihl Woo.

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Jeon, M.K., Lee, K.R. & Woo, S.I. Performance improvement of direct methanol fuel cells via anodic treatment using various organic acids. Korean J. Chem. Eng. 30, 1410–1414 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11814-013-0071-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11814-013-0071-2

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